From 1973 to 1976, the Black Panther received his own publication as well, titled Jungle Action. Securing a solo-publication was significant. By this time, his character had become prominent enough to stand on his own, illustrating the impact that racial politics had on both the narrative of the storyline and the popularity of his character. Previously, Jungle Action had featured white protagonists saving African natives from villains. The plots were clearly patronizing and subversive to the black community. In 1973, the Black Panther took over the series as the main character. Even more significant of a change, the stories were now filled with primarily black characters – there would be months on end without a single white character making
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In fact, he did this against orders from Marvel. “The pressure was on to bring in the Avengers,” he admitted, “but it was important for a black hero not to have to have white heroes come in to save the day.” Again, he asserted the Black Panther’s independence and dignity. Ultimately, his depiction of T’Challa captured racial politics in a number of ways; not only did he echo values of the Black Power Movement, but he made real efforts to represent the realities of racism and the violence it created in the United States. His stubbornness in doing so, however, would have significant …show more content…
He had paved the way for black superheroes, ushering in a cast (albeit small) of new heroes like Luke Cage and Storm that survived even after his cancellation. Though appropriated and commodified at times, the Black Panther had a real impact on the scene of comics – he had created a foundation in national culture for blacks. He was a black superhero, but not a superhero in the conventional way. His issues were closer to home. He represented the black community and fought for them – his issues were their issues. Although the Black Panther disappeared in the 80s and comics had a dearth of racial commentary, the following decades would revisit the racial narratives that he had begun. T’Challa’s story, the story of race in America, was far from
In fact, he did this against orders from Marvel. “The pressure was on to bring in the Avengers,” he admitted, “but it was important for a black hero not to have to have white heroes come in to save the day.” Again, he asserted the Black Panther’s independence and dignity. Ultimately, his depiction of T’Challa captured racial politics in a number of ways; not only did he echo values of the Black Power Movement, but he made real efforts to represent the realities of racism and the violence it created in the United States. His stubbornness in doing so, however, would have significant …show more content…
He had paved the way for black superheroes, ushering in a cast (albeit small) of new heroes like Luke Cage and Storm that survived even after his cancellation. Though appropriated and commodified at times, the Black Panther had a real impact on the scene of comics – he had created a foundation in national culture for blacks. He was a black superhero, but not a superhero in the conventional way. His issues were closer to home. He represented the black community and fought for them – his issues were their issues. Although the Black Panther disappeared in the 80s and comics had a dearth of racial commentary, the following decades would revisit the racial narratives that he had begun. T’Challa’s story, the story of race in America, was far from